Norinco MAK-90
Norinco (China North Industries Corporation) · Rifle · Discontinued · 1990
Also known as: MAK 90, Modified AK 1990, Norinco Sporter
Overview
The Norinco MAK-90 is a semi-automatic, sporterized AKM-pattern rifle produced for civilian export, primarily to the US market. Introduced in 1990 to comply with the Bush-era 1989 import ban requiring 'sporting purposes' configuration, it shipped with a thumbhole stock, no pistol grip, no bayonet lug, and no folding stock. The 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban and a 1994 executive order on Chinese imports effectively ended its US importation.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3742 g (132.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 892 mm (35.12") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 715 m/s (2346 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2010 J (1482 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62 Soviet, 7.62x39mm M43
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Lever Safety Selector
- Features: Thumbhole Stock Compliance, No Pistol Grip As Imported, No Bayonet Lug As Imported, 1-6mm Thick Stamped Receiver, Chrome Lined Barrel, Semi Auto Only Fire Control
Variants
- Norinco MAK-91 — Post Ban Variant
- Norinco NHM-91 — Rpk Pattern Thumbhole
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States civilian market · adopted 1990
- Canadian civilian market · adopted 1990
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,000,000 · Production years: 1990-1994
Approximately one million MAK-90 rifles were imported to the US, making it the most-imported semi-auto AK variant of any origin during the early 1990s. Imports ceased after the 1994 Clinton-era executive order on Chinese-origin firearms.
Origin
Country of origin: China
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov (original AKM design); Norinco engineers (compliance modifications)
Discontinued: 1994
Notes
MAK = 'Modified AK'. The MAK-90 is widely regarded for its 1.6 mm thick stamped receiver, heavier than typical AKM stamped receivers, and chrome-lined barrels capable of handling cheap steel-cased ammunition. Approximately one million units were imported to the US between 1990 and 1994.
Background
The MAK-90's awkward thumbhole stock was not a stylistic choice but a regulatory workaround: removing the pistol grip technically made it 'non-military' under 1989 BATF guidance. Decades later, the rifle is prized by collectors for its overbuilt receiver, with many shooters converting them back to traditional AK furniture once federal restrictions on parts kits expired.